WELLINGTON LAND BOARD.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1245, 29 September 1911, Page 3

WELLINGTON LAND BOARD.

♦ MONTHLY MEETING. \ The monthly meeting o£ tho Wellington Land Beard was held in Wellington yesterday. The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr. James Mackenzie) presided, and thero were present also Messrs. ,T. Dawson, H. T. Elliug'nam, James GcorgcUi. and William M'lenuan.

Mr. 11. Smith attended with reference to :iii application r.uulo by I>>"> to tin* Jlmistcr for Lands for part of tho I'oroi.t Reserve adjoining Sections 7 and 7a, Block XI, l'olianxina, and it was resolved to obtain a report from the Cr.otni Lands Hanger. Mr. P. Xolan attended with reference to the proposed transfer o£ Sections 3a and l(i, Block IX, Uliincwairu, to Mr. G'. Cleaver, a request which was declined at last iiieotinK. It was tesolvcd to approve the application, if Mr. Cleaver completes the transfer of his Sections 12 and 13, Block IX, before Mr. Nolan's scetion is transferred. Respecting Section 15, Block V. Hautapu, tho Commissioner reported that oil September It, he, with the members of t.he Land Beard, inspected this land with the view of reserving a portion o£_ the section olor.£ the Malign we!;;i-Te Kapua Road frontage. It was decided to reserve an area of about 09 acres for scenery purposes, and to offer the, balance of the section for selwtion at tho land sale to be held at Taihapo on October .11. Regardins Section 13, Block I, Uautapn, the? commissioner reported that on September 11, 1911, accompanied by the Land Board, ho inspected the timber on this section. It was noticed that a portion of tho forest had been destroyed by tire, and that owinj to tho inaccessibility and difficulty of Retting outside competition for the timber, it was thought desirable to leave the disposal of tho timber in the hands of (he Commissioner to jet the best value possible undbr the special circumstances. The Under-Secretary for Lands having expressed his approval of tho suggested exchange of Run No. 33, Blocks X, XI, Tiriraukawa, for other lands in same locality, it was resolved that the board rc'eommeml that- the exchange be agreed to. Titles were approved in tho following cases:—Scetion L', Block IX, X. Tararua, (>37 acres. Messrs. R. E. S. and \\ ■ Priest; Section S. Block 111, Tiriraukawa, l'>o acres, $S. Parsons; Section 3, Block VII, Tiriraukawa, -00 acres, R. Grove; Section 2. Block Vl.',' Tiriraukawa. 200 acres, R. Grove; and Section 36. Block XIIL, I'iikeokahu, 320 acres, E. E. M. Gordon. FREEHOLD TITLES. If the residential conditions have been complied with, Mes-srs. R. E. and S. \Y. Priest will be granted tho freehold title of Section 8, lilock 18, and Mr. D. O. Gordon tho freehold title of Section 32,, Block XII I, Pukeokahu.

With reference to Mrs. C. S. Walccman's application for the freehold title of Section lill. Block XIV, Ohir.ewn.irua (M 7 acres), the ranger reported that there has been enly 3 year? ami S months' residence on tlio land, and it was resolved to decline the application until the balance of the residence is effected. Mr. V. M. Bradfoy applied for the freehold title of .Section 2, Mauugakaretu, Ulock- X, ajui it was resolved to approve as ho lias fully complied with the conditions. .Mrs. Jar.e Searlc wrote a.sking the board to reconsider its decision of August .11 refusing her to obtain the freehold title of Section 7, Ulock V, Pukeokahu, 500 acres. It was lcjolved to decline the request. Mr. T. A. Miinro applied for the freehold title of Section 21, liioek X, HauUpti. It was resolved to obtain a.report from the ranger. EDUCATION RESERVES. The transfer was approved of Scction sa, Block IV, Mangaonc (Paa C'Teek Settlement), 0 acres 3 roods perches, Mrs. A. Smyth to Thcs. Hodgins. jun. A sub-lease was granted of Section 273 a, Block 111, Arawnrua, 518 acres 1 rood 28 perches, G. Kendall to Thos. ICilsby. Tho term is 5 years 3 months, from October 1, 1911, and the rent .£l5O per annum. A mortgage on Lots 10 and 11, of 116 acres, Palmerston North, l rood G perches, Bank of New Zealand, was approved. Tho Crown Lands "Ranger reported that. Education Reserve, Section 315, Ulock 111, Orotia (3SI acres), is practically all flat land of very good quality, well adapted for dairying, and suitable for subdivision, lie recommended, that ou the expiration of the present lease tho land should lie subdivided into two lots and offered at auction lor leasing. It was resolved to inform Mr. .T. AV. Hcnscmau that the board cannot se6. its wny to substitute n lease with perpetual rights of renewal for the present lease.

TRANSFERS. Tho following transfers were approved, subject, to everything being in order:— 51 r. Wm. Welsh, .Section 11, Block XIX, llau'-ialmo, 201 acres, to Mr. Wm. John Balsillie; Jlr. K. G. Thompson, Sections G8 to 70, Jlangaweka V.S. North, 3 acres 2 roods 14 perches, to Jlr. Le Fevro llonorej Mr. S. E. Petersen, Section 4, Block 11, Kangataua Township, 1 rood,'to Jlr. \V. 11. Rolston; tho Public Trustee, iu the estate of the late T. Sexton, portions of Section 58, Ohakune V.S., 4 acres 3 roods 2S perches, to Mrs. E. O'Neill, Mr. J. B. Sc-alleatti, Mr. G. Sargeant, and Mrs. E. C. Anderson; Mr.-John Macintosh, Section 15, Block VI, Jlakotuku, 216 acres, to Mr. W. L. Jleek; Miss E. JI.Evans, selector of Section 4, Block I, Waipawa, Dyer, • to Mr. Clarence Übreo Jivans (369 acres); Mrs. A. Sinytho, Sections 5a and 4, Block IV, Jlangaone, Paa Ci-cek V.S., 22 acres 3 roods 7 perches, to Mr. Thomas Ilodgins, jun.; Mr. F. 11. Ilepploston, Section 107, Block XIII, Belmont, Korokoro V.S., 2 reads 32 perches, to Mr. S. Jensen; Mr. Arthur James, his interest in Section G, Blocks XI and XV, Whirinaki, 3208 acres, to his partner, Mr. 11. Ivelsall Purdie; Mr. M. K. Smith, Section 15, Block XIII, Hnarangarua Dyer Settlement', 182 acres 2 roods, to Mr. In. .G. Hawthorn; M.r, Tom Jlason, tho sub-lease of 106 acres 2 roods, of Section 37, Block VII, Tarania, 200 acres, to Mr. Ware. Mr. T, P. Fitzpatrick applied to transfer Sections IS, Block 111, and 0, Block VII, Ivaitieke, 1-100 acres 1 rood, to Messrs. J. jr. and Andrew Cockburn, and it was resolved t'o postpone tho matter for a ranger's report, and empowpr tho Comniissioner to pass, when he is satisfied all is in order. _ Jlr. If. H. Benpk applied to transfer Section -1!), Block X, Pukeokaku, 250 acres, to Mr. W. Searle. It was resolved to decline tho application. Jlr. A. W. Gould, solicitor, Ohakune, wrote asking the board to reconsider its decision to refuse the subdivision and transfer of Lot 22 of Section 7, Block VIII, Jlakohiku, 2 acres 2 roods 11 poles, from Jlr. James Quiim to Mr. F. C. Allen. It was resolved to adhere to tho previous decision. Mr. D. JI. T. Oilivier applied to transfer Section 3, Block XIII, Tnakira, 1018 acres 9 roods .08 perches, to Jlr. P. ]i. Westenra and P. !•'. Jirodriek. It was resolved that while, prima facie, the board is not unfavourable to the application, further decision of the matter he postponed to next meeting In enable the necessary papers to be completed. With reference to Jlr. J. Bagley's application to transfer his interest' 'in Section 2, Block lIJ, Makotuku, 102 acres 1 rood 34 perches, to Jlr. C. Carlson, it was resolved to approve the transfer provided Jlr. Carlson can satisfy tho board that lie is now eligible. Jlr, Isaac Johnson wrote explaining why ho had sublet Section 88, Block XIV, Boimont, Epuni Hamlet, I acre 0 roods II) perches, and it was resolved to ask him to supply full particulars of tho sublease. Jlr. Wm. Blcasel applied to transfer .Section 45 Jlanunui V.S., 1 acre 1 rood l(i perches, to Jlr. C. G. J. Harold. . Itwas resolved to recommend subject'" to the ranger's report and leave tho matter in tho Commissioner's hands. Jlr. John Jl'Tntyre applied to transfer •Section 15. Block X, Mount Cerberus, 250 acres. to Jlrs. 1,. B. Davidson, and it was resolved to decline the application. With reference to the application by Jlr. K T. Eroadbelt to subdivide and transfer 3 acres of-Section 3, Block VIII, Makotuku, 102 acres, to Mr. G. 11. Jackson, approved on September 20, 11)10, tho Commissioner reported thai a certified plan of U acres only had been sent in for approval, and it was resolved to advise Jlr. Ilroadbelt; that' a transfer of no smaller area than 3 acres would bo favourably considered. Jlr. Richard Grove applied to transfer Section 0, Block VII. Tiriraukawa, 200 acres, to Mr. I'rr.uk ltoulley, and it was resohed to obtain a report from the ranges

Mr. James Bellis applied to transfer the lease of Section <i-, Block XIV, Ohinewairau, 1 aero 0 roods 32 pcrchcs, lo Mr. Joseph Webb, and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions. Mr. J. .1. Walker applied to transfer the of .Section .'il, Block V I [, .Man Tallin, Klli acres, to Messrs. C. W. L. and 10. T. llegglun. 'it Has resolved to postpone the matter. Mr. ]!. Stack applied to transfer Ins license of .Section 22, Block XIII, Mangaliao. 200 acres, to Mr. J. Senk, and it was resolved to f?et a report from the ranger. Mj'. J. Kelly applied to transfer _ his leases of Sections It) and 53, Block XV 1, Makuri, 300 acres and SUI acres respectively,- to .Mrs. M. S. Thompson. I'lie ranger will report'.

OTHER .MATTEUS. Permission was given Mr. A. A. C. Roubc to take .Mr. I). W. 10. lioube as a partner with himself in Section 'J, Block 111, Kaitieke, 11(1 acres. A report was received from tho Crown lands ranger to iho elfcct that gorse and broom were spreading over a number of sections in the Paparangi Settlement, and it was resolved to notify the settlers of tho report' and draw their attention to the clause of the Regulation which requires thorn to prevent tho growth and spread of such noxious weeds. It was resolved to approve of the Union Steam Ship Company's permit to occupy Lot 7 of Section 210, city of Wellington, lining extended for a further term of threo months from December IC. 1911, at. the same rent as hitherto paid and at the rate of .£322 Is. Bd. per annum.

Mr. T. J. Pendray, lessee of 81, Manunui V.S., 12 acres 1 rood 2 perches, wrote asking for permission to allow bin to movo the cottage ou the section towards the front fence and add two rooms to it. It was, resolved to approve.

It' was resolved to grant Mr. J. A. Fraser a permit to occupy from year to vcar Section 10, Block IV, Pohangiua, (II acres, at a rent of .£3 per annum, subject to notice of determination at any time. . Tho Receiver of Land Revenue advised tho board that' tho balance of the purchase money for Sections 2 and 3. Block 111. Waimarino Township, had not been paid, and it' was resolved to forfeit tho deposit of ,£ll and declare any contract for the sale of this land to be null and void. v . The Keceiver (of Land Revenue advised the board that Ihe balance of the purchase money for Section 18, Block IV. Owhango Township had not been paid (.£23). It was resolved to declare the deposit -of .£(> forfeited and any contract for the sale of this land to bo null and void. Willi regard lo the application of the Rangataua Timber Company for a iiermit to construct a tramway through Section 30. Block 111, Makotuku, it was resolved to authorise the Commissioner to issue the permit at such annual rent and subject to such conditions as lie may think fit'.

A plan was submitted show.ing the road deviation fronting Sections 8 .and 9, Block XIV., Maungakaretu. Tho ( board approved of tho road being closed, and together with the severances added to the sections.

A plan was submitted on behalf of the Public Works Department showing a proposal to widen the Waihi-Akitio Road, abutting on Sections 3a and 3, Block IT, Mount Cerberus, held, under O.R.P. It was resolved that the board give the necessary consent to tho proposal. It was resolved that the consent of the board be given to a proposal to take land ftfr road out of Section (10, Ohakea Settlement, provided the "land for settlements account is reimbursed for the area taken. The Manawnlu County Council having recouped the Land for Settlements Fund for tho capital value of the land token, it was resolved that the board consent to tlio proposal. A plan was submitted showing a proposed exchange of roads in Section 2G, Block XIV, Maungakaretu, held under O.R.P. Consent was given.

Tho Commissioner reported that- a new road had been taken through Section 3, Lcngbush Estate, and that a part of the old road had been closed by way of exchange.—lt was resolved to recommend tho Land Purchase Board to have the area of the clort-d road declared subject to tho Land for Settlements Act, under Section 7!) thereof, and that it be thereupon added to the section, and the lease amended accordingly.

It was resolved to grant a permit to Mrs. J. D. Murphv to graze on Sections 31, 32, 33, 13-1, and 135, Block VI, Makuri Township, for a period of three months from November 1, 1911, on condition that she eradicates ragwort and noxious weeds. With regard to flax on Rangiwaea 'If, 16, 3a Block, which is now open for sale at an upset price of .£l2l>, it was resolved to withdraw it from'sale for the present. With reference to Mr. Bremncr's renewed application for a license to split timber on Lot D, Maminui, it was resolved'that the board could not see its way to revoke the decision come to on June 2!) last, as all the timber set aside for splitters in that locality has been disposed of, and Lot D is retained for milling. It was resolved to authorise the Commissioner to dispose of the timber on Sections 30 to 37, part 47, 18, 49, 50, and adjoining roads in Ohakune suburbs, at such royalties and subject to such conditions as he may see fit to arrange.

With reference to Mr. C. R. Hain's application to 'be allotted, without competition, part Section 78, Block 11, Ilunua, 11 acres 1 rood 30 perches, it was resolved to declino tho request, as the anplicant does not now reside in the district. A report was received from the ranger to tho effect that Mr. W. Wright, lessee of Section 11, Fohonui V.S.. 5 acres 0 roods 1 perches, was not residing on the section, but lives in the dwelling provided by the Rangitikei County Council on Section 17, Pohonui V.S., lie being the roadman for the district. It was resolved to accept in tho meantime. A report was received from the C.L.R. to tlio effect that Mrs. M. M. Wright, lessee of Section -13, Pohonui V.S., 2 acres 3 roods 1 perch, was living with her husband on Section 47, Pohonui V.S., instead of on her own section.—lt was resolved to ; accept in the meantime.

A report was received from (ho C.L.It. on Miss M. A. Keano's application for exemption from residence on Section 8, Block X, Makotuku, -ISI acres.—lt was resolved to decline, but to state that tho board would 'consider an eligible transferee on account of tho state of Miss Keano's health. Mr. D. H. Guthrie wrote with reference to his non-residence on Section 12,' Block XIV, Hautapu, 200 acres, and stated that he was living on the section adjoining, owned by his sister-in-law, and asked that this should count as residence o'u his section.—lt was resolved to agree to that. The Commissioner reported that Mr. K. 11. liyan had not replied to t.he board's recent notices as to his non-residenco on Section, 12, _ Block XII, Makotuku, 320 acres, and it was resolved to call upon him to show cause why his interest should.not be declared forfeited. Mr. H. H. M'Donald wrote asking that his interest be cancelled in tho lease of Section 41, Ohakune V.S., 10 acres, and it was resolved to forfeit his interest for non-payment of rental in the circumstances, which were considered special. With reference to tho payments in arrear on Seelioi 111, Block XIII, Belmont, Maungaraki Settlement, -1 acres 3 roods 32.7 poles, the Commissioner reported that no replies to the board's notices had been received, and it was resolved to request the ranger to see the lessee and report later on. Tho Commissioner submitted a schedule of four selectors iu arrear with their payments, mil to whom time had been granted, and it was resolved to confirm the. action taken by the Commissioner. Mr. Charles Beaumont wrote stating that he has decided to build a cottage on his Section 5, Block I. Owhango '['ownship, 1 rood, and hopes to have it completed within two months' time. It was resolved to take no action in tho meantime.

Jliss M. 'Wade, licensee of Section 1, Block XTI, II eta rake, 1151 acres, wrote stating that tho improvements will amount to .£7OO by the end of this season, and 'that she will reside on the land as soon as she can Ret the timber down the Wanganui River. Il was resolved to accept this as satisfactory in tho meantime, but to adviso her 'that, there should have been no troublo in gettint; timber down the river, as, although it was very low when the board was in tho vicinity some months ago, there would have been no difficulty in getting it down at that time. The Commissioner advised tho board that JlessrA Casey and Reid, lessees ol' Keclion 72, 'J'aihnpo Village Settlement, 28 they are not replied to the board's notices asking them to explain wliv Uioy are. not residing on the'land, and, also why tlipy have, sublet, the dwelliw; without the consent of tho board,

It was resolved lo obtain a special report from the ranger. Mr. 10. Groves wrote and attended wilh reference to the board's notice calling upon him lo show cause why his interest in Section 25, Manunui V.S., should not be declared forfeited, and slated that he had returned to Xew Zealand with tho objeci of going back lo the seel ion and living thereon. It was resolved to tako no further action in tho meantime.

It was resolved to declare Mr. T. W. Garrett's interest in Section 8, Block 11, Xukuniaru, 278 acres, forfeited, for noncompliance with tho conditions of his lea-e, as Iho Commissioner visited the section some months ago, and, so far as can now be ascertained, tho selector has not been in the district for over a year. Jto will, however, bo allowed one month in which to appeal against the board's decision.

A report was received from tho Crown Lauds ranger wilh reference lo Mr. It. L. Osborne's application to sublet Section'2o, Block XI, Apiti, 200 acres, to S. A. S. Hart, which was postponed from last meeting, and it was resolved to approve tho application. A report was received from the Crown Lands ranger on Mi W. 11. I'isk's application to subdivide Section -la, Block XI. Mangahao, 123 acres 0 roods !l poles, and transfer about 50 acres to Mr. G. Gregory, which was postponed from last meeting, and it was resolved not to grant tho application. Mr. J. S. Welsh applied for permission to grant tramway rights over Section 1, lilock VII, Makotuku, 200 acres, lo Mr. I'. A. Wilson, and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions. Mr. Welsh also applied lo transfer his interest in the section to Mr. L. M. Tans?y, and it was resolved to get- a report from tho ranger.

It. was resolved to grant a permit to Mr. Tlios Biggar to occupy Sections 1, 2, .1, 4, 5 Makuri Township, 5 acres 0 roods 12 poles, from year lo year, at a rent of .£2 10s. per annum, subject to . the usual conditions, and to determination at any time one shilling only to be charged for the first year if willow planting on the river bank is done satisfactorily.

It was resolved to recommend that Sections 11, 11, 15, 10', 18, 10, 25, 20', IJewft Village, be leased from year to year at a rental of .£2 per annum, no compensation for any improvements, and to determination at any time. Mrs. Snrali Rose applied to convert tho tenure of Section 29, Pahiatua V.S., to a renewablo lease, and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions.